Tonight a 22 year old cyclist is in dire condition at the KHMH after he was knocked down by a bus this morning.
It happened at 6:15 this morning at an area between miles 36 and 37 on the Western Highway.
Geon Hanson, a Belmopan resident, was found on the side of the road after an eastbound J and J bus hit him. The bus driver Saul Castellanos was eastbound when he says the high beams of an oncoming vehicle blinded him. When he lowered his beam, he saw Hansen in his path; he tried to avoid a collision, but due to wet road conditions, he could not, and he hit the cyclist, who ended up off the road with serious internal injuries including a damaged spleen and collapsed lung. He was taken to the Western Regional Hospital and then transferred to the KHMH where he underwent emergency surgery this afternoon.
Today, 7News spoke with the officer commanding Belmopan Police, who told us that there were police officers who were on the bus that hit Hanson, so they have solid evidence about how it happened:
ASP Sinquest Martinez, O.C., Belmopan
"Around 5:35am police received information of a road traffic accident between miles 36 and 37 on the George Price Highway in St. Matthews Village. Police responded and when they got there they saw a cyclist who was identified as Geon Hanson from Cardinal Avenue, Belmopan City. He was on training. Information so far to us is that a J and J passenger bus that was travelling towards Belize City hit the cyclist from behind but claim to say that there was an incoming vehicle with a high beam and by the time he saw the cyclist he tried to avoid hitting the cyclist, he went to left side but the right side of the bus hit the cyclist unfortunately. He was transported to the Belmopan Hospital, was in a critical condition after which the driver was detained. We continue to investigate the matter because there were several police officers on the bus that assisted likewise. We continue to record statement and the vehicle has been inspected by the motor vehicle inspector, we have served an NIP on the driver."
This evening, we spoke to Hanson's family by telephone, and they told us that he had to be transferred to the KHMH, where he 2 surgeries. The doctors had to remove his spleen, and he was still undergoing major surgery. He is still in a critical condition.
They were also thankful for everyone who assisted in getting Hanson to the Hospital on time.
Hansen is with the Capital City Cycling Club and has been riding for the past 5 years. He rides 5 to 6 days a week and was preparing for the KREM New Year's classic.
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